First Annual Toy Swap @ the Library

For quite some time now the staff at your library has been busy plotting away, trying to come up with new "schemes" for reaching deep into the heart of the community in order to get people more involved in the library, and with each other again. This year alone, we have walked a marathon (which raised over $1000 toward research into Juvenile diabetes), started a volunteer-run weekly film club (Bright Lights Film club most Tuesday at 2:00), and hosted the first annual Toy Swap event (this past Sunday December 6th).

We weren’t sure how the idea would be received, but for the first time ever, we invited Cote Saint-Luc residents to collect, and bring in any clean, gently used children and baby toys to be swaped for others. The concept was basic; no cost, no registration, no hassle, just bring in toys that are no longer need and trade them for others that someone else from the neighbourhood no longer needs.

Now one thing I have always loved about people living around The Luc is their great enthusiasm; always ready to answer a call-to-action or help start something new. Thanks to everyone who helped and participated, the first Toy Swap event went fantastically - a real hit! Over a dozen local families supported this historic library event by participating; moms, dads, and even children brought in toys, books, and games to donate to the swap.

I should mention that what makes this story extra-nice is the fact that the left over items that were not traded at the swap did not go to waste; they will be donated to Sun Youth Organization. Hopefully these items will now be used toward their annual Holiday Basket Program, and will go to deserving children living on the island, who may not otherwise receive any gifts this year. I would like to thank Melanie, one of the fabulous library volunteers, for all her help and hard work during the swap. Since the day was so well-appreciated by those who participated, anyone who missed out can look forward to another Library Swap in the New Year. The Library, make it a part of your life!

808 & Heartbreak

OK. So I’m sure that this isn’t news to most people reading this (particularly anyone who owns and/or has watched the boob-tube anytime this century), however speaking as one of the last people in the country still, living on the fringe - without a television at home, recently listening to Kanye West’s ‘808 & Heartbreak’ for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised – I thought it was his best album yet! I listened to it from beginning to end, despite some fears of imminent disappointment looming the entire time, or at the very least boredom (I’m not the biggest fan of some of his earlier “work”…and I think that’s enough said). BUT. Being a person who can admit when I stand corrected; I stand corrected. It was great! I found his beats and arrangements different, interesting, and even calming. I listened to it a second, and then a third time right away - every track! This album is soulful and shows real evidence of growth and maturity from the one and only
``K-weezy``…


If somehow you haven’t already, I suggest making some time to have a listen some time soon!! My personal favorite tracks on the album:

‘STREET LIGHTS’, WELCOME TO HEARTBREAK’ the title-track, & ‘AMAZING’

Calling all lovers of good books

So I just finished reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, and I must say…it was amazing!! One of my co-workers here at the library, had said enthusiastically of the book “every woman must read this”; I am happy to report that Danielle was so right.

This is a book unlike any I have read in a very long time, and though it most certainly will appeal to many women readers, I think that men many also enjoy this book, which is mostly about being human. This book touches the heart, and speaks directly and clearly to anyone who is searching for something more.

The author has such a way with words that she has managed to illustrate in everyday terms some of the most complex theories and approaches to spirituality and religion in ways that absolutely anyone can absorb. And trust me, you’ll want to absorb every word.

The beauty of Eat, Pray, Love transcends any religious or culture barriers that may exit with other books on…well simply put, life. Everyone will be able to relate to the author as she takes the reader through her unlikely journey across continents in search of absolutely everything. I loved it so much! Please, readers, lovers of good books, do yourselves a favor and READ THIS BOOK

Homage to Volunteers

I’m so impressed. At the start of this summer, we challenged the local community to stand up for their library by volunteering with us. Though I knew that we hadn’t had a volunteer program here in the past, I hoped that at least those people who have asked us for years about volunteering would come back if invited. We printed off a few pamphlets, describing some possible ways that people could help, talked to as many people as possible about the areas we needed some help in, and then waited.

Here it is only a few short weeks later, and we are receiving up to a couple of volunteer applications each day. Not only have residents answered the call to act in droves, but even more surprising to me, is that most people are really willing to offer support in any way that is most beneficial to the library they love.

My blog today is a dedication to those wonderful volunteers, those who have answered the call, those who didn’t just talk about helping, but actually showed up consistently to help when the opportunity presented itself; I am honored and privileged to know you. Some of you are tutoring, some are cleaning or organizing, and some are even helping us take the library into the local seniors’ residences; THESE ARE THINGS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE and WE COULDN’T DO THEM WITHOUT YOU. I feel like our library was great before, but with the help and support of our volunteers, our community, we’re unstoppable now.

To anyone who is thinking about volunteering, I urge you not to think about it anymore, but to do it. To those of you who are already volunteering, I thank you all for opening your hearts; volunteering only takes a little time, but makes the world a better place.

It’s easy, we’re here to help

I would love it if everyone knew how easy the library really is to use. I think sometimes people feel less-than-confident when it comes to using our library tools and resources, simply because they have felt intimidated or too shy to ask in the past. I want to reach out to these people and tell them: We’re here to help…YOU!

If the people we serve don’t feel comfortable enough to ask us for help when looking for material that may be useful or interesting to them, then maybe we just haven’t made ourselves clear enough, so I would like to take this time to set things straight. The staff, at our library, enjoy serving our clientele! It brings us great joy just to be able to find that one book, to fill that one special request, to be able to help shape a non-reader into an avid one; it’s our raison d’être. I shudder to think of anyone leaving the library without having found something that they can’t wait to get into; a book, a movie, a course, anything!

If you haven’t used the library in a while, you may not even be aware of all the useful self-service options that we now have in place: online reserving and renewing, an electronic catalogue that can be browsed from home OR in the library, the Computers for Beginners program, databases and accompanying guides, and so much more. Still feel unsure of what to do or how to use the library? PLEASE ask us; we also love to answer questions and we’re happy to help.

A fresh face for an old friend

The AV Department is something that has always been close to my heart; it’s really special to me. Not only is it where I first started working when I joined the library team in 2001, but it’s also the place that I feel I have had the most influence on. We’ve always dreamed of a fun department, with something for everyone. A place where you could come to learn a language, listen to a course, a book, or music on CD, and just connect with others who share similar interests.

Five years later, we’ve come a long way! Gone are the days of having to stand in line to request the audiovisual material from the clerk at the desk. Patrons can now browse the material freely and at their leisure, without having to wonder about all the “good stuff” that they can’t access behind the counter. I urge you to come and revisit the department, speak with our wonderful and knowledgeable staff, enjoy the revamped lounge, and our new collection; I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Just recently Joel Goldenberg of the Suburban wrote an article about the expanded department, which was published in the June 20, 2007 City edition of the newspaper. So if I haven’t convinced you to come in and take a look, maybe the article will; by the way, we have copies of that too! I look forward to seeing you all browsing through the shelves soon.

Challenges and Inspiration

I think that what I love best about hosting the program “Computers for Beginners”, is watching how far people, who never thought they could learn about computers at all, can come in just four short weeks. I wish that more people could just rise to the challenge, go out on a limb, and try something new.

Several classes ago, I taught an 87 year old man how to set up and use an e-mail account in order to send and receive letters from his grandchildren; he had never used or even touched a computer before. Now, several weeks after completing the course at our library, this 87-year-young man, is writing e-mails every week, looking up information on Google, and even coming in for more practice on our public computers!

I love working with my “students”, their courage and willingness to learn, even in the face of an obstacle, inspires me to do better; to be better. I also want to learn to be brave, to rise to the occasion, to face obstacles in my path, and it is my students who have shown me the best model for how to do this: you try. If that doesn’t work, then you try again. If that doesn’t work and you start to feel frustrated, then you try again still. The funny thing is that before you even know it, you aren’t just trying, you’re practicing, and then eventually, you’re even mastering!

A Passion for Passion for Movies

I’m so excited! This month we finally got to launch another one of our new AV programs. The first Passion for Movies was certainly one to beat. Our patrons have asked and asked over the years about what kinds of movies we enjoy, ourselves. As a true movie-lover, I am thrilled to finally have a forum to be able to talk about the movies I love best, and explain why with other movie lovers. I think that Passion for Movies (which, by the way, also deals with our new collection of T.V. series) will really give people a chance to get to know us better.

Our goal in redesigning the new audiovisual department was to have a comprehensive department with something for everyone. So whether you want to try something new, take a walk on the dark side, or just come by to borrow an old favorite, I think we’ll have what you’re looking for, but if you aren’t sure what that is, come hear about some of our favorites first. The next Passion for Movies is taking place on June 7, 2007 at 7pm; I hope to see you there!

Exciting New Changes

With so many dramatic new physical changes in the library, it can be easy to miss some of the exciting, but less obvious changes taking place in many areas in the library. The changes in our programs, for example, are most exciting to me. We launched the first in a new line-up of AV programs, Friday Night @ The Movies, or FN@TMs, which have never been offered in the past. In addition, Passion for Film and Computers for Beginners will finally give us a great opportunity to make better use of some of the newly renovated spaces, such as the expansive audiovisual room and public computer area. It’s a really nice feeling to know, that not only do we have something for everyone now, we also have great spaces to enjoy it in. For everyone reading this now, I urge you to come back to your the library and try something new, you’ll be glad you did!